Water Fun

Go With The Flow

In the summertime, the area's waters are magnets for sunbathers, swimmers and boaters. Pristine public beaches include Depot Beach, Elm Pointe, Ferry Beach, Whiting County Park and Young State Park, all on Lake Charlevoix, and Michigan Beach and Fisherman's Island State Park on Lake Michigan. Boaters can easily travel between beaches, or even communities, by using shoppers' docks.

Charlevoix County water resources comprise more than 104 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 215 miles of rivers and streams, more than 23,500 acres of lakes and ponds and the most marina slips per capita in Michigan. After five years of planning, construction to the Charlevoix public marina and park is complete. The approximately $11 million project increased dock space to accommodate 67 boats (from about 50). Also complete are a new performance pavilion, public restrooms, breakwall and floating docks. Additional slips and services are provided at public marinas in Boyne City and East Jordan, as well as the area's many private facilities.

Public boat launches and parking are available at Charlevoix's Ferry Beach, Ironton and the city marinas in Boyne City and East Jordan. A public launch and parking on Lake Michigan are located at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources site, for small boats only, north of Charlevoix. Click here to view a pdf of the Charlevoix County Road Map which show the location of the boat launches, beaches and more.

Further, the Jordan and Boyne Rivers are ideal for exploration by canoe, inner tube and kayak.

Anglers drop their lines from boats along the shores of Lake Charlevoix while sleek charter boats troll the depths of Lake Michigan. The Charlevoix pier on Lake Michigan is a favorite fishing spot for anglers.

The lakes provide a spectacle for those on land as well. Some of the world's most beautiful vessels ply the local waters and park at area marinas, and throughout the summer, the Charlevoix Yacht Club holds Wednesday evening sailboat races on Lake Charlevoix. Even in winter, residents and visitors can get their water fix at the indoor community pools in Charlevoix and East Jordan.

Charlevoix Yacht Club Throughout the season the Charlevoix Yacht Club holds Wednesday evening races on Lake Charlevoix for all types of sailboats. Club members cut across social and economic lines bringing everyone together for good time fun. Powerboat, sailboat, and non-boat owners constitute the club membership.

Charlevoix Area Community Pool The Charlevoix Friends of the Pool group achieved their goal in 1997 and opened an indoor swimming pool. It was no easy task. The group, a private, nonprofit organization, raised funds through grants and private donors to build an indoor community pool and spa.

Located on U.S. 31 North near the Charlevoix Country Club, the pool is enjoyed by families, senior citizens and physical therapy patients. Information about swim classes and open swim schedule is available by calling the Charlevoix Community Pool at 547-0982

Americinn Swimming PoolThe swimming pool at the AmericInn, located on U.S. 31 North across from the Charlevoix Community Pool, is also open to the public. For more information call 237-0988.

Sunsets The Northwest Michigan coastline is known far and wide as the "Land of the Million Dollar Sunset" and in Charlevoix there are plenty of places to cash in. Public beaches, both north and south of the Pine River Channel, provide excellent areas to enjoy the brilliant panorama of the sun slipping below the blue Lake Michigan horizon.